Courtesy of Kalkine Media
13.06.2025
Highlights
- Roy Hill and Atlas to operate under Hancock Iron Ore
- New HQ planned for 2026 in West Perth
- Over $11.5B in royalties and taxes contributed
In a transformative move for Western Australia’s renowned Pilbara region, Hancock Prospecting has announced the integration of two of its major iron ore assets—Roy Hill and Atlas Iron—into a single operating entity named Hancock Iron Ore. This consolidation is set to officially take effect from the start of next month and marks a new strategic phase for the mining group led by Gina Rinehart.
Strategic Integration in Pilbara
The unification of Roy Hill and Atlas Iron positions Hancock Iron Ore as a formidable player in the global iron ore sector. The Roy Hill mine, which has been a key revenue generator for Hancock Prospecting, now joins forces with Atlas Iron under a unified brand. Together, these operations significantly contribute to Western Australia’s export economy, having shipped a combined 74 million tonnes of iron ore annually.
Recent data from the week ending 24 May highlights this momentum—Roy Hill shipped 1.5 million tonnes and Atlas Iron exported approximately 439,514 tonnes, collectively making up 9.4% of Pilbara’s iron ore shipments for the period.
Operational and Economic Milestones
The merger follows the milestone of 500 million tonnes of ore shipped to global markets. It also underscores the economic weight carried by these ventures, with over $11.5 billion delivered in royalties and taxes, and extensive support extended to small and large enterprises across the region through contracts and services.
Roy Hill’s financial performance has been particularly strong, reporting a profit of $3.2 billion for FY 2023–24 and declaring a dividend of $4.05 billion, supported by an output of 64 million tonnes of iron ore.
Future Outlook with a New Headquarters
As part of this operational overhaul, Hancock Iron Ore plans to establish new headquarters in West Perth, with relocation slated for 2026. This development reflects a broader ambition to drive operational synergy, increase productivity, and enhance global competitiveness.
Gina Rinehart emphasized this next chapter as a moment of pride and forward-looking ambition, highlighting the company’s commitment to building on its legacy while shaping a robust future for Australian mining.
